Take part in debate says cabinet member

Wiltshire’s cabinet member for children’s services Laura Mayes stressed no decision has yet been made about youth services.

And she urged the public to attend consultations at area board meetings in March and April. The first is on March 3 at Abbeyfield School, Chippenham.

The council has four options for discussion and all 140 youth service employees face redundancy.

Coun Mayes said: “We know this is a difficult time for staff and it felt wrong having to draw up the report without telling them about it. But as a council we had a duty to carry out a review and had to follow procedure.”

The four options are: To retain the current in-house service but reduce the cost; outsource the service, encouratge and support staff to form a Public Service Mutual and to develop a community led approach. It is due to be considered by cabinet on April 22 but may be delayed.